Using Serv-U with a dynamic IP address is easily accomplished with DNS4Me. DNS4Me makes it possible for people to access your Serv-U FTP server using a static domain name, even though your IP address may change each time you get online.

To use DNS4Me with Serv-U, download DNS4Me and sign-up for DNS4Me service. Take note of the domain name you selected to use with the DNS4Me service (such as MyFTPServer.FTP4Me.com).

Run the DNS4Me client on the machine with Serv-U and make sure your domains are online. This screenshot shows you what DNS4Me looks like with your domains online:

This ensures that the current IP address of the machine is known to the Internet so users can access your FTP server using the domain name you selected.

Configuring Serv-U For DNS4Me

Now, you need to configure Serv-U to use your DNS4Me domain name. Open the Serv-U Management Console, then navigate to Domain Details | Listeners, then edit your FTP or FTPS listener. In the PASV IP Address / Domain Name field, enter the dynamic domain name you wish to use.

Users can now use your domain name to access your Serv-U FTP server. When your IP address changes, the DNS4Me client updates the Internet with the address. Serv-U will detect this change and start listening on the new IP address, ensuring users can always access your FTP server.

If you're using Serv-U behind a firewall or router with special PASV mode settings, you need to update these settings with DNS4Me, too. Please see Knowledge Base Article 1044 for information on configuring Serv-U behind a router.

Configuring Serv-U 6.x For DNS4Me

Now, you need to configure Serv-U to use your DNS4Me domain name. Open the Serv-U administrator program and click on the domain you created for your FTP server. Check the box labeled "Enable dynamic DNS". If you have an IP address specified in the box labeled "Domain IP address", remove it. Apply these changes. Your domain screen now looks similar to this:

Now, click on the new tab labeled "Dynamic DNS" from your domain screen. In the box labeled "IP name", enter the domain name you selected when signing up for DNS4Me service. Apply these changes. If you are running the DNS4Me client, you can press "F5" to refresh the Serv-U dialog and view your current IP address.